Spotted Lanternfly in Forsyth County

(Updated: July 17, 2026, 6:04 p.m.)
Adult spotted lanternfly on a leaf

Attribution: Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Current Life Stage of the Spotted Lanternfly: Adult

Members of the Forsyth County community are on the front lines of defense in North Carolina against the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), a pest that poses significant threats to fruit production, especially grapevines, and to hops production. We already know we have these pests in our area, and help from the community to manage and control them is crucial.

The good news: there is very little danger to the average yard, forest, or garden from these pests - so there is no need to panic!

Right now, you can help tackle adults (pictured above) by spraying them directly with insecticidal soap or using a wet/dry vacuum to capture and drown them in soapy water. You can also stomp on them as you are able.


There is no longer a need to report spotted lanternfly sightings in Forsyth, Guilford, or Davidson Counties as they are established in these areas. Please continue reading for helpful resources regarding management and control of spotted lanternfly, as well as management of Tree of Heaven.


Spotted Lanternfly Management and Control Resources


DIY Spotted Lanternfly Trap Resources


Tree of Heaven Management Resources


Spotted Lanternfly Life Stages by Month

Graphic showing the life stages of the Spotted Lanternfly